Project: 1974 Commando 850

fr8shkr · May 11, 2009

Greetings:

I wanted to stop in and introdruce myself and hopefully gather some advice from the Norton experts out there - and this forum seems to have a lot of knowledgable folks on board. I live in S. Indiana and in 3 short weeks I will be starting my first rebuild.

The bike is my father's '74 850. It's been sitting in a garage and/or shed for the better part of the last ~20 years and probably hasn't been kicked over in at least ~10 years if not longer. My tentative plan is to get it running, get the brakes working properly, and get a new set of tires on it, then set out to start making it look nice again.

I can't remember when the last time I laid eyes on the bike was, but I'm expecting a fair amount of rust and corrosion (hopefully not too much pitting). I'll post some pics of the bike once it's in my garage, but wanted see what kinds of things I need to be on the look-out for - what are some of the common problems on a Norton of this age. Also, any recommendations on reputable parts vendors?

Thanks in advance for everyone's replies and advice. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions along the way. More to come...

swooshdave · May 11, 2009

fr8shkr said:
Greetings:

I wanted to stop in and introdruce myself and hopefully gather some advice from the Norton experts out there - and this forum seems to have a lot of knowledgable folks on board. I live in S. Indiana and in 3 short weeks I will be starting my first rebuild.

The bike is my father's '74 850. It's been sitting in a garage and/or shed for the better part of the last ~20 years and probably hasn't been kicked over in at least ~10 years if not longer. My tentative plan is to get it running, get the brakes working properly, and get a new set of tires on it, then set out to start making it look nice again.

I can't remember when the last time I laid eyes on the bike was, but I'm expecting a fair amount of rust and corrosion (hopefully not too much pitting). I'll post some pics of the bike once it's in my garage, but wanted see what kinds of things I need to be on the look-out for - what are some of the common problems on a Norton of this age. Also, any recommendations on reputable parts vendors?

Thanks in advance for everyone's replies and advice. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions along the way. More to come...

What I did when I found this forum is scanned or read through it all. The search will also narrow topics down too.

That being said there is a TON of knowledge from the last 30-40 years of people owning Nortons. So just about everything has been solved (except it seems, wetsumping :wink: ). Searching here or elsewhere will usually get you every answer you need.

Reputable parts vendors have also been weeded through, so as long as you stick with one of the major ones you'll be fine.

I will say that sometimes getting a bike that's been sitting that long "just running" isn't always the best idea. Seals are shot, bearings may be rusty, all kinds of fun stuff that you can't see. Just saying.

fr8shkr · May 11, 2009

swooshdave said:
fr8shkr said:

Reputable parts vendors have also been weeded through, so as long as you stick with one of the major ones you'll be fine.

I will say that sometimes getting a bike that's been sitting that long "just running" isn't always the best idea. Seals are shot, bearings may be rusty, all kinds of fun stuff that you can't see. Just saying.

Click to expand...

Perhaps I should have clarified - In order to get it running I'm planning on going through the engine and trans. I'm anxious to see the condition of all the internals.

Also which vendors are the "major" ones as you described? This is my first attempt at a vintage motorcycle, so please excuse my lack of knowledge.

Thanks again.

Ron L · May 11, 2009

Also which vendors are the "major" ones as you described?

Since you are in Indiana, I can't think of any in short driviing distance, but using phone or internet, the world is much smaller. Personally, I find Mike Partridge (Walridge Motors, Canada) and Fred and Ella Eaton (Old Briits, Washington) two of my favorites for a good selection, great, and knowledgeable service, and quick response. Stan Smith (Rocky Point Cycles, Xenia, OH) has some nice stainless bits, Mikuni kits, etc., and is another great guy to deal with who has good knowledge of Nortons. All have internet presence and a Google search will put you in touch. There are other good vendors, but this is a start.

I would warn you against dealing with Marshall Hagy (British Parts Chicago) unless you know exactly what you are getting and deal in person.

If you don't already have one, I suggest first getting a copy of both the factory workshop manual and the factory parts manual for the '74. They are readily available in print or on CD.

fr8shkr · May 11, 2009

thanks for the advice on the vendors. Xenia is close enough for me to drive - only about 2 hrs or so. I've got an electronic version of the parts manual and a hard copy of the service manual, so i should be in pretty good shape as far as that goes. Can't wait to get started

tpeever · May 11, 2009

I agree with swooshdave about being cautious about getting the bike running. I have restored a few of these old bikes now and have come to the conclusion that taking them completely down rather than trying to get them running first is probably the best way to go. I bought a low-mileage 74 Commando in pretty good shape 4 years ago and have been riding it and tinkering with it since I got it. However, the amount of time I have spent taking apart and putting back together various components (swingarm repair, new layshaft bearing, new isolastics, new wheel bearings, upgraded charging system, rewire, electronic ignition, front brake caliper rebuild, top-end rebuild to repair an oil leak etc. etc.) would probably have been better spent doing a complete overhaul. If this was your Dad's bike hopefully you have a pretty good idea what's been done to it over the years but you still cannot be sure what you've got and what kind of shape it's in until you take it apart. That said, my Commando is my favorite bike and you are in for a great adventure however you decide to proceed!!

dave M · May 12, 2009

fr8shkr, Welcome to Norton ownership, this sounds like a nice project to do especially since it was your father's old bike, you will feel a great sense of pride when you get it running and what a lovely timeless link to your dad. In addition to the sage advice already given I would also recommend getting one of the 'Clymer Collection Series' vintage British motorcycle manuals, they cover BSA, Norton and Triumph and have some very useful tips in them. Now that you have the 'disease' one or two of these other marques will probably appear in your life at some point. Living in Hong Kong I buy parts from all over the world, depending on what I need. In the USA I have used 'Old Brits' and 'Rabers' and both have been reliable and helpful. I visit Northern California every year and always pop in to visit. The staff are all enthusiasts and Bob Raber himself is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and generous with his time. good luck with your project.

bigstu · May 12, 2009

Hi FR8shkr
Welcome to Commando ownership. Owning a Commando is like having a gorgeous but slightly emotionally unstable mistress...She will cause you problems but the rewards...
This site is a goldmine for you, there are many wise heads here. I am not really one of them, as I am new to Commando ownership, but I have just gone through a restoration.
I advice you to take the head and barrels off and have a look in there, and also examine your exaust port threads where the clamps screw in. You need a good thread there.
I fitted a belt drive and new clutch, electronic ign system (Boyer), new carbs Amal mk1's, a K&N air filter system, and also a roller brg on the layshaft of the gearbox. These were my 'modifications'.
I did the usual timing chain, valve springs and guides, rings.
Good luck! Your Dad had taste...Its a great bike.
Stuart

grandpaul · May 12, 2009

fr8shkr-

First of all, TAKE "BEFORE" pix! One from each side (side-on, as straight as you can), framed as closely as you can to get in the entire bike, then close-ups of both sides and top of tank & seat, close-ups of both sides of both wheels, close-ups of the engine, rear shot, front shot, close-up of the meters, and maybe a top shot from a ladder.

Open a free on-line photo hosting account (photobucket, picturetrail, flik'r, etc) and post plenty of pix of your progress, and narrative of your ongoing rebuild.

You are going to be rewarded by your Dad's old bike, and you can pass it on to your son (or son-in-law as the case may be).

rgrigutis · May 12, 2009

this is rather spooky............ i also live in southern indiana and have a '74 basketcase i'm going to start on this winter. right now i'm trying to get a '72 roadworthy. my 1st motorcycles. e mail me and maybe we can share some pints and a pizza at richo's sometime. good luck, rick

fr8shkr · May 13, 2009

rgrigutis said:
this is rather spooky............ i also live in southern indiana and have a '74 basketcase i'm going to start on this winter. right now i'm trying to get a '72 roadworthy. my 1st motorcycles. e mail me and maybe we can share some pints and a pizza at richo's sometime. good luck, rick

That is a little weird - I'm actually up in Columbus, but I am familiar with RichO's. We're probably the only Norton owners in S. Indiana! I'm counting down the days until it's in my possession 17 days and counting....

rgrigutis · May 15, 2009

there's a mechanic in bainbridge outside of indy that works on british bikes. i tradwd him an ar 15 for the 74 859. it's in pieces but it's all there. i don't recall his name or number, i've got them somewhere, but he might prove a good resource for you. let me know if you want me to dig him up?

swooshdave · May 15, 2009

rgrigutis said:
there's a mechanic in bainbridge outside of indy that works on british bikes. i tradwd him an ar 15 for the 74 859. it's in pieces but it's all there. i don't recall his name or number, i've got them somewhere, but he might prove a good resource for you. let me know if you want me to dig him up?

That's not a bad deal. Was it a Colt or Bushy?

fr8shkr · May 15, 2009

rgrigutis said:
there's a mechanic in bainbridge outside of indy that works on british bikes. i tradwd him an ar 15 for the 74 859. it's in pieces but it's all there. i don't recall his name or number, i've got them somewhere, but he might prove a good resource for you. let me know if you want me to dig him up?

If you can dig it up, it'd be nice to have it in my back pocket. Shoot me a PM if you're able to locate it.

Project: 1974 Commando 850

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